New Exeter Airport route could save travellers up to five hours

Exeter Airport’s new direct flight to Amsterdam, launching on 30 March 2025, offers a major boost for international travel from the South West. With seamless connections via Schiphol Airport, the service makes it easier for travellers and businesses to reach key destinations across the world.

The flight time takes 1 hour and 30 minutes with tickets from £75.00. That's quicker, and cheaper, than the Exeter to London Paddington train, which takes over 2 hours and can cost more than £100 for a standard ticket.

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is a major international hub, providing onward travel to North America, Asia, and beyond. Whether it’s a business trip to New York or a holiday in Bangkok, Exeter travellers now have a quicker and more convenient alternative to driving to Bristol, Heathrow or Gatwick.

It’s also faster than driving to Heathrow, which can take over three hours in traffic, and significantly shorter than taking a coach, which can take more than five hours depending on stops and congestion. That means more time sipping cocktails on a beach in Bali and less time stressing about whether your train will turn up on time.

Flying from Heathrow to New York takes approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, while the flight from Amsterdam is around the same. The real savings come from cutting out the drive to London, parking fees, and the possibility of an overnight hotel stay.

With check-in and security queues at major London airports often adding additional time, Exeter passengers could easily save upwards of five hours on their total journey by flying via Amsterdam instead.

For local businesses, the route improves global access, making it easier to reach international markets and attract investment. Exeter’s growing economy will benefit from increased connectivity, and the region is likely to see more inbound tourists, providing a boost to the hospitality sector.

Previously, long-haul journeys often required significant additional travel time and expenses before even boarding a flight. Now, travellers can save both time and money by flying directly from Exeter, making international travel more efficient and accessible.

This new service reinforces Exeter Airport’s role in regional transport, making international travel more convenient for both business and leisure. With strong demand for bookings, the route is expected to play an important role in supporting the South West’s global links.